Contaminant resistant shower pipe assembly

ABSTRACT

A shower pipe assembly useable in the papermaking process includes a shower pipe, including structure for oscillating the shower pipe along an axial path and a base. Oscillating support structure couple the base to the shower pipe and supports the shower pipe wherein oscillation of the shower pipe is constrained along a straight line path. The assembly further includes a first arm rotatable about a first axis being stationary relative to the base during rotation of the first arm. A second arm is rotatable about a second axis extending through the first arm such that the distance between the first axis and second axis remains constant. The second arm should be of a length relative to the distance between the first and second axis to produce a straight line motion at a particular location of the second arm upon rotation of the second arm about the second axis a constant distance per degree of rotation of the first arm about the first axis. The apparatus further includes structure for rotating the second arm about the second axis a constant distance per degree of rotation of the first arm about the first axis to produce a straight line motion at a particular location on the second arm. The shower pipe is particularly coupled to the second arm.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/267,957, filed on Jun. 29, 1994 and now U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,270,issued Sep. 2, 1997.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to a straight line motion shower pipeassembly useable in the papermaking process to condition or cleanfabrics while minimizing the accumulation of unwanted deposits on theassembly. More particularly, the invention is directed to a contaminantresistant assembly and means for rotating the assembly.

In the papermaking industry, highly developed fabrics are processed.During the processing of these fabrics, it is preferred that the fabricsbe maintained in a clean condition. However, increased use of recycledfiber has resulted in high levels of contamination of incoming furnishwhich has in turn resulted in an accelerated rate of fabric plugging.Also, dirty mill water is often used in the papermaking process. The useof such dirty mill water has necessitated more effective showering.

Shower pipe assemblies have been used to facilitate effective showeringin the papermaking process. Shower pipe assemblies include a pipe whichspans the length of a fabric run and contains a plurality of nozzlesextending therefrom. Cleaning fluid of high pressure is run through thepipe and discharged through the nozzles which are typically orientednormal to the surface of the fabric. The shower pipe is oscillated alongits axis to allow the shower of fluid to cover the entire fabric whichis conveyed in a tangential direction relative to the circumference ofthe shower pipe. The oscillation also prevents the high pressure fluidwhich is discharged from the nozzles from contacting an area on thefabric for a period of time which will damage the fabric. Typically, theshower pipe is supported in a plurality of sleeve bearings where theshower pipe oscillates in a direction parallel to the axis of the sleevebearing. A hydraulic, pneumatic or electric actuator is connected to theshower pipe to control the oscillation thereof.

During the papermaking process, contaminants tend to accumulate withinthe sleeve bearing between the sleeve and pipe thereby creatingincreased friction therebetween. In order to maintain the appropriaterate of oscillation of the shower pipe and thereby prevent damaging ofthe fabric being processed, the force transmitted by the actuator mustbe increased. Such an increase in the force applied by the actuatorresults in poor reliability and reduced oscillator life.

It is therefore desirable to provide a system for producing straightline motion which is capable of supporting the shower pipe assemblywhile reducing the effects of the accumulation of debris thereuponthereby minimizing frictional force.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aforementioned goals may be achieved by using a shower pipe assemblyconstructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.The apparatus includes a shower pipe; means for oscillating the showerpipe along an axial path; a base; oscillating support means coupledbetween the base and the shower pipe and supporting the shower pipe froma point on the support means which is constrained by operation of thesupport means to oscillation along a straight line path; a first armrotatable about a first axis being stationary relative to the baseduring rotation of the first arm; a second arm rotatable about a secondaxis extending through the first arm wherein the distance between thefirst axis and second axis remains constant; the second arm being of alength relative to the distance between the first and second axis toproduce a straight line motion at a particular location of the secondarm upon rotation of the second arm about the second axis a constantdistance per degree of rotation of the first arm about the first axis;means for rotating the second arm about the second axis a constantdistance per degree of rotation of the first arm about the first axis toproduce a straight line motion at the particular location on the secondarm; and, the shower pipe being coupled to said second arm at saidparticular location of straight line motion of said second arm.

The apparatus may further include a seal located between the first armand the base and/or a seal located between the second arm and the firstarm. The apparatus may also include a bearing mounted to allow the firstarm to rotate about the first axis and/or a bearing mounted to allow thesecond arm to rotate about the second axis. The fabric conditioningshower pipe may be removably secured to the pivotable securing means.The pivotable securing means may include a clamp.

The means for rotating may include a first sprocket having its centralaxis being coaxially with the first axis, the first sprocket beingincapable of rotating relative to the first axis, a second sprocket mayhave its central axis being coaxial with the second axis, and a chainengaged to the first sprocket and the second sprocket.

The means for rotating may also include a first gear having its centralaxis coaxial with the first axis, the first gear being incapable ofrotating to the first axis; an outer planetary gear having its centralaxis being coaxial with the second axis, and an intermediate planetarygear being engaged with the first gear and with the second outerplanetary gear.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may best be described in the following detaileddescription when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 depicts a schematic representation of a shower pipe assemblyusing two straight line motion producing devices constructed inaccordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2A depicts a sectional view from the side of a straight line motionproducing apparatus useable in conjunction with a shower pipe assemblyand constructed in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2B depicts an isometric view of the straight line motion producingapparatus depicted in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 depicts a schematic representation of the straight line motionproducing apparatus depicted in FIG. 2 located in various positions toproduce a straight line motion;

FIG. 4 depicts an isometric schematic sectional view of a portion of thestraight line motion producing apparatus constructed in accordance withthe principles of the present invention;

FIG. 5 depicts a schematic representation of an alternative embodimentof the straight line motion producing apparatus constructed inaccordance with the principles of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 depicts a schematic representation of yet another embodiment ofthe straight line motion producing apparatus constructed in accordancewith the principles of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a straight line motion shower pipe assembly isshown. The assembly includes a shower pipe 1 having one or more nozzles3 radially protruding therefrom and pointing in a direction normal to afabric surface 4 of a belt of fabric being conveyed in a directiontangential to the circumference of the shower pipe 1. One or morestraight line motion producing apparatuses 2 support the shower pipe 1allowing the shower pipe 1 to be oscillated along a stroke length S in astraight line. An actuator 5 may be operatively engaged to the showerpipe 1 and/or straight line motion producing apparatus 2 to create theoscillating straight line motion. As shown in FIG. 1, the actuator 5 maybe directly connected to the shower pipe 1. However, the actuator couldalso be connected to the straight line motion producing apparatusincluding any linkage thereof.

Referring to FIG. 2B, one embodiment of the straight line motionproducing apparatus 2 is shown. The apparatus includes a base 6 and afirst arm 7 which is rotatable about a first axis A--A which remainsstationary relative to the base 6. A second arm 9 is pivotably securedto the first arm and is rotatable about a second axis B--B which extendsthrough the first arm 7 at the end thereof opposite axis A--A. Duringoscillation of the apparatus, the distance between axis A--A and axisB--B remains constant. The second arm 9 contains a pivotable connectionmeans 11 operatively engaged to a means for supporting the shower pipe.Such a means, as depicted in FIG. 2B, may include a clamp assembly 13inserted within an aperture 12 in the second arm 9.

The apparatus also includes a means for rotating the second arm 9 aboutthe axis B--B a constant distance per a degree of rotation of the firstarm about axis A--A to produce a straight line motion at a particularlocation on a second arm, i.e., the point where the pivotable connectionmeans 11 is located. However, the second arm must be of a lengthrelative to the distance between axis A--A and axis B--B to produce astraight line motion at the pivotable connection means 11 upon rotationof the first arm 7 and/or second arm 9. Moreover, rotation must occur ata constant distance, i.e., angle, per degree of rotation of the firstarm. The distance between the pivotable connection means 11 and axisB--B should be 0.3 times the distance between axis A--A and axis B--B.Moreover, the second arm must rotate about axis B--B 1.86 degrees forevery one degree of rotation of the first arm 7 about axis A--A.

Referring to FIG. 2A and FIG. 4, the details of one embodiment of thestraight line motion producing apparatus will be described. A firstbearing 15 may be mounted between a housing 17 which defines the firstarm 7. As shown in FIG. 2A, the housing 17 may cover a stud 8 of thebase 6. First bearing 15, being mounted between the stud 8 of the baseand housing 17, allows the first arm to rotate about axis A--A. A firstpulley 19 may be rigidly affixed to allow its central axis to be coaxialwith axis A--A and to prevent rotation about axis A--A. At the oppositeend of the first arm 7 the second arm 9 is positioned to rotate aboutaxis B--B. A stud 21 protruding from the second arm 9 may be positionedwithin the housing 17 by a second bearing 23 to allow rotation of thesecond arm relative to the first arm about axis B--B. A second pulley 25is rigidly affixed to the second arm, preferably by affixation to stud21, so as to be incapable of rotating relative to second arm 9. A belt27 may be located around first pulley 19 and second pulley 25. Belt 27may extend through the housing 17 defining the first arm. The belt 27 isaffixed to the second pulley 25 in such a manner to prevent slippagetherebetween. For example, a fastener 29 such as a pin, bolt, or thelike may be used to secure the belt to the second pulley 25, ifnecessary or desired. The housing 17 should cover the means for rotatingthe second arm, including the first pulley 19 and the second pulley 25.

As further shown in FIG. 2A, the relative lengths of first arm 7 andsecond arm 9 are optimally chosen to allow clearance between attachedshower pipe 13 and any protruding structure in the vicinity of axis A--Athroughout its potential range of straight line motion. In the specificembodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A, which employs a generally circularhousing extending about axis A--A, this relationship can be expressed asrequiring that the length of second arm 9 (the distance between thepivotal connector 11 and axis B--B) plus the radius at the pivotalconnector of shower pipe 13 must be less than the length of first arm 7(the distance between axis A--A and axis B--B) less the radius ofhousing 17.

A pivotable connection means 11 may include an aperture 12 located atthe point of the second arm 9 where straight line motion is achieved.Attached to the pivotable connection means 11 may be a means forsupporting a shower pipe assembly such as a clamp 13 which is preferablyadjustable and arcuate in shape to secure the shower pipe therein (FIG.1). The clamp 13 rotates relative to the second arm 9 about a pointwhere straight line motion is desired.

The distance between axis A--A and axis B--B relative to the length ofthe second arm 9 between the point where straight line motion is desiredand axis B--B must be such to produce straight line motion at thedesired location. Also, the second arm must rotate a particular angulardistance, i.e., degree, about axis B--B relative to the first arm pereach degree of angular rotation of the first arm about axis A--A. Havingthe distance of the second arm, between axis B--B and the point wherestraight line motion is desired, being 0.3 times the length of the firstarm, between axis A--A and axis B--B, and having the size of the pulleysbeing such to produce 1.86° of rotation of the second arm 9 about axisB--B per 1° of rotation of the first arm about axis A--A, will produce astraight line motion at pivotable connection means 11 (i.e., the pointwhere straight line motion is desired).

Referring to FIG. 3, operation of the apparatus to produce a straightline motion will now be described. The belt 27 should be secured tofirst pulley 19 and second pulley 25 in such a manner to avoid slippagebetween the pulleys and the belt 27. Preferably, a steel belt is used.However, belts made of other materials may be used with the apparatus inaccordance with the invention to produce straight line motion in ashower pipe assembly. First, pulley 19 is rigidly affixed to base 6 toprevent rotation about axis A--A. Also, second pulley 25 is rigidlyaffixed to second arm 9 about axis B--B to prevent rotation relativethereto. As the second pulley 25 and the first arm 7 are rotated aboutaxis A--A, pivotable connection means 11 will remain on line C--C solong as the pulleys are sized to produce 1.86° of rotation of the secondarm 9 per 1° of rotation of the first arm about axis A--A. By using anactuator operatively engaged to either a shower pipe or the straightline motion producing apparatus to facilitate oscillation, straight lineoscillation about line C--C may be produced. The apparatus may be usedin the paper processing industry to produce straight line oscillationand motion of a shower pipe 1, as depicted in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 2A, proper sealing of the housing 17 may assist inpreventing the accumulation of debris within the first and secondbearings 15, 23 to prevent frictional energy losses. A seal 31 ispreferably located between the housing 17 and base 6 to prevent leakageof debris therebetween. Also, housing 17 may have a first cover 33 beingremovable therefrom. However, an additional seal 35 should be locatedbetween housing 17 and the first cover 33. To prevent the accumulationof debris in the second bearing 23, a seal 37 may be located between thehousing 17 and the second arm 9 to prevent the passage of debristherebetween. Also, the housing 17 may also have a second cover 39removable therefrom to provide access to the second pulley 25 and secondbearing 23. However, a seal 42 is preferably located between the secondcover 39 and housing 17 to prevent leakage of debris therebetween.Additionally, a seal 41 may be located between pivotable connectionmeans 11 and second arm 9 to prevent collection of debris therebetween.Also, pivotable connection means 11 may be coated with a material on thesurfaces which facilitates rotation relative to the second arm 9. Forexample, teflon or nylon, or other similar materials may be used.

In addition to the pulley and belt assembly depicted in FIGS. 2A and 4,other means may be used to rotate the second arm 1.86 degrees about axisB--B relative to the angular rotation of the first arm per each degreeabout axis A--A. For example, referring to FIG. 5, a sprocket and chaincombination may be used to provide the proper rotation. The sprocket andchain combination, as the means for producing the proper relativerotation, may be readily incorporated into the straight line motionproducing apparatus depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B. Alternatively thesprocket chain combination may be subsituted by a first pulley, a secondpulley and belt, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 5, such an alternative configuration is shown. A firstsprocket 91 may be affixed relative to base 6 while a second sprocket 93may also be affixed to the second arm 9. A chain 95 is mounted aroundthe first sprocket 91 and second sprocket 93 which are sized to providethe proper 1.86° of rotation of the second sprocket about axis B--Brelative to each degree of rotation of the first arm 7 about axis A--A.

FIG. 6 depicts yet another embodiment of the straight line producingapparatus using another alternative means for providing the properrotation between first arm 7 and second arm 9. In this configuration, agear train is used. Here, a first gear 51 is rigidly affixed to base 1and axis A--A so that there is no relative motion therebetween. An outerplanetary gear 53 having its central axis being coaxial with the secondaxis B--B is rigidly affixed to the second arm 9 so that there is norelative rotation therebetween. An intermediate planetary gear 55 may belocated between the first gear 51 and the outer planetary gear 53. Theplanetary gears must be sized to produce the relative 1.86° of rotationof the second arm about axis B--B per each degree of rotation of thefirst arm about axis A--A. Using such a configuration, rotation ofeither of the planetary gears will produce a straight line motion aboutpivotable connection means 11, i.e., the point where straight linemotion is desired.

Although the invention has been disclosed in connection with theembodiments depicted herein, it will be apparent to one of ordinaryskill in the art that various modifications and substitutions may bemade to these embodiments without departing in any way from the scope ofthe invention as defined in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A shower pipe assembly comprising:a shower pipe;means for oscillating the shower pipe along an axial path; a base;oscillating support means coupled between the base and the shower pipeand supporting the shower pipe from a point on the support means whichis constrained by operation of the support means to oscillation along astraight line path; said oscillating support means comprising:a firstarm rotatable about a first axis, said first axis being stationaryrelative to said base during rotation of said first arm; a second armrotatable about a second axis extending through said first arm wherein adistance between the first axis and second axis remains constant; saidsecond arm being of a length relative to the distance between the firstand second axis to produce a straight line motion at a pivotal connectoraffixed to said second arm upon rotation of said second arm about saidsecond axis a constant distance per degree of rotation of said first armabout said first axis; means for rotating the second arm about saidsecond axis the constant distance per degree of rotation of said firstarm about said first axis to produce the straight line motion at saidpivotal connector on said second arm and wherein the straight linemotion is parallel and non co-linear relative to the first axis; and,said shower pipe being coupled to said second arm at said pivotalconnector for straight line motion of said second arm.
 2. The showerpipe assembly of claim 1, wherein said means for rotating comprises afirst sprocket having its central axis being coaxial with said firstaxis, said first sprocket being incapable of rotating relative to saidfirst axis;a second sprocket having its central axis being coaxial withsaid second axis; and a chain engaged to said first sprocket and saidsecond sprocket.
 3. The shower pipe assembly of claim 1, wherein saidmeans for rotating comprises a first gear having its central axiscoaxial with said first axis, said first gear being incapable ofrotating relative to said first axis;an outer planetary gear having itscentral axis being coaxial with said second axis; and an intermediateplanetary gear being engaged with said first gear and with said outerplanetary gear.
 4. The shower pipe assembly of claim 2 furthercomprising a seal located between said first arm and said base.
 5. Theshower pipe assembly of claim 4 further comprising a seal locatedbetween said second arm and said first arm.
 6. The shower pipe assemblyof claim 5 further comprising a bearing mounted to allow the first armto rotate about the first axis.
 7. The shower pipe assembly of claim 6further comprising a bearing mounted to allow the second arm to rotateabout the second axis.
 8. The shower pipe assembly of claim 3 furthercomprising a seal located between said first arm and said base.
 9. Theshower pipe assembly of claim 8 further comprising a seal locatedbetween said second arm and said first arm.
 10. The shower pipe assemblyof claim 9 further comprising a bearing mounted to allow the first armto rotate about the first axis.
 11. The shower pipe assembly of claim 10further comprising a bearing mounted to allow the second arm to rotateabout the second axis.
 12. The shower pipe assembly of claim 1, whereinsaid pivotal connector comprises a clamp.
 13. The shower pipe assemblyof claim 2, wherein a second distance between said pivotal connector andsaid second axis plus a radius of said shower pipe is less than saiddistance between said first axis and said second axis less a radius ofsaid housing about said first sprocket.
 14. The shower pipe assembly ofclaim 13, wherein said second distance between said pivotal connectorand said second axis is less than or equal to three-tenths of saiddistance between said first axis and said second axis.
 15. The showerpipe assembly of claim 3, wherein a second distance between said pivotalconnector and said second axis plus a radius of said shower pipe is lessthan said distance between said first axis and said second axis less aradius of said housing about said first gear.
 16. The shower pipeassembly of claim 15, wherein said second distance between said pivotalconnector and said second axis is less than or equal to three-tenths ofsaid distance between said first axis and said second axis.
 17. Theshower pipe assembly of claim 1, wherein said first axis, said secondaxis, and said means for rotating said second axis are sealed tominimize contaminant accumulation thereupon.
 18. A shower pipe assemblycomprising:a shower pipe; means for oscillating the shower pipe along anaxial path; a base; oscillating support means coupled between the baseand the shower pipe and supporting the shower pipe from a point on thesupport means which is constrained by operation of the support means tooscillation along a straight line path; said oscillating support meanscomprising: a first arm rotatable about a first axis, said first axisbeing stationary relative to said base during rotation of said firstarm; a second arm rotatable about a second axis extending through saidfirst arm wherein a distance between the first axis and second axisremains constant; said second arm being of a length relative to thedistance between the first and second axis to produce a straight linemotion at a pivotal connector affixed to said second arm upon rotationof said second arm about said second axis a constant distance per degreeof rotation of said first arm about said first axis; means for rotatingthe second arm about said second axis the constant distance per degreeof rotation of said first arm about said first axis to produce thestraight line motion at said pivotal connector on said second armwherein the second arm rotates about the second axis at a ratio otherthan two degrees per one degree of rotation of the first arm about thefirst axis; and, said shower pipe being coupled to said second arm atsaid pivotal connector for straight line motion of said second arm. 19.The shower pipe assembly of claim 18, wherein the ratio comprises thesecond arm rotating about the second axis less than two degrees per onedegree of rotation of the first arm about the first axis.
 20. The showerpipe assembly of claim 19, wherein the ratio comprises the second armrotating about the second axis approximately 1.86 degrees per 1 degreeof rotation of the first arm about the first axis.
 21. The shower pipeassembly of claim 18, wherein said means for rotating comprises a firstsprocket having its central axis being coaxial with said first axis,said first sprocket being incapable of rotating relative to said firstaxis;a second sprocket having its central axis being coaxial with saidsecond axis; and a chain engaged to said first sprocket and said secondsprocket.
 22. The shower pipe assembly of claim 18, wherein said meansfor rotating comprises a first gear having its central axis coaxial withsaid first axis, said first gear being incapable of rotating relative tosaid first axis;an outer planetary gear having its central axis beingcoaxial with said second axis; and an intermediate planetary gear beingengaged with said first gear and with said outer planetary gear.
 23. Theshower pipe assembly of claim 18, wherein a second distance between saidpivotal connector and said second axis is less than said distancebetween said first axis and said second axis.